The Aston Martin VH420 is a 4,200 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2010. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 32-valve architecture, and Bosch ME7.4.5 engine management, delivering 270 kW (367 PS) and 410 Nm of torque. This engine was developed in-house by Aston Martin to power the V8 Vantage and marked the brand's return to proprietary engine design after years of using Ford and Jaguar units.
Fitted exclusively to the first-generation V8 Vantage (2005–2010), the VH420 was engineered for balanced performance, high-revving character, and acoustic refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through close-coupled catalytic converters and engine calibration, meeting Euro 4 standards across all markets during its production run.
One documented evolution is the transition to revised intake manifolds and ECU mapping in 2008, highlighted in Aston Martin Service Information Bulletin SIB-14 05 08. This update improved throttle response and high-RPM power delivery. No major reliability concerns have been issued via official service bulletins; ongoing monitoring is maintained through AM-TIS field reports.
Production years 2005–2010 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Aston Martin VH420 is a 4,200 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for sports car performance (2005–2010). It combines DOHC 32-valve architecture with Bosch ME7.4.5 engine management to deliver linear power delivery and high-RPM refinement. Designed to meet Euro 4, it balances everyday usability with spirited driving dynamics.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,200 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 75.0 mm | |
| Power output | 270 kW (367 PS) @ 7,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 410 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch ME7.4.5 port injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Aston Martin Longlife-05 (SAE 5W-50) | |
| Dry weight | 215 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 design provides linear power delivery ideal for spirited driving, but demands adherence to 12,000 km oil change intervals using OEM-specified oil to maintain valvetrain longevity. Aston Martin Longlife-05 (5W-50) is critical due to its high-temperature stability and protection of high-RPM components. Extended idling should be avoided to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves. The Bosch ME7.4.5 ECU requires OEM-grade diagnostics for calibration updates. Post-2008 models feature revised intake manifolds and ECU tuning; retrofitting is not supported. Catalytic converters require RON 95+ fuel to prevent thermal degradation under sustained high-load conditions.
Oil Specs: Requires Aston Martin Longlife-05 (5W-50) specification (Aston Martin SIB 16 06 05). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2005–2010 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires RON 95+ fuel (Aston Martin TIS Doc. AM-VH420-PWR).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AM-VH420-2005, SIB 14 05 08, SIB 16 06 05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Aston Martin VH420 was used exclusively in the V8 Vantage platform with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received no platform-specific adaptations across its production run, but from 2008 the facelifted V8 Vantage adopted revised intake manifolds and ECU calibration, creating minor interchange limits. All variants are documented in OEM technical bulletins and ETK parts catalogues.
Locate the engine identification plate stamped on the front-left cylinder bank near the timing cover (Aston Martin TIS AM-VH420-ID). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('H' for VH420 series). All units feature silver valve covers with black trim. Critical differentiation from later engines: VH420 is naturally aspirated with no turbochargers or intercoolers; the successor AM14/VH475 engine has a different block architecture and distributor placement. Service parts require model-year verification—intake manifolds for 2008+ models are not interchangeable with earlier units (Aston Martin SIB 14 05 08).
The VH420's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup in low-speed urban use, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended oil intervals. Internal Aston Martin field reports from 2012 noted a moderate share of pre-2008 units showing reduced airflow by 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records indicate a low but growing number of emissions-related failures in city-driven V8 Vantage models. Short trips and infrequent high-RPM operation increase deposit formation, making oil quality and driving pattern management critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (2005–2010) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN VH420.
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ASTON-MARTIN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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